Tool storage system

ABSTRACT

A tool storage system includes a body, such as a panel, to which tools may be attached, a base to which the body is removably fastened, and a fastening mechanism for connecting the body to the base so that the body may be attached to the base or removed and used remote therefrom. In one form, the fastening mechanism includes a hinge connected to the body and the base for providing an axis about which the body may be rotated with respect to the base, and a latch connected to the base and movable between a first position, or secured position, wherein the latch secures the body to the base and a second position, or released position, wherein the latch releases the body so that it may be removed from the base. In another form, the body is secured to the base via a plurality of latches. In yet another form, the body is secured to the base via quarter turn fasteners.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/643,848, filed Jan. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved tool storage system, andmore particularly, an improved fastening mechanism for a tool displaypanel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Tools are stored in a variety of different manners. For example, sometools are stored on panels which not only retain the tool but alsodisplay the tool so that a user or potential purchaser can easily findwhat he or she is looking for. In addition, these storage systems may beused in a variety of different applications. Conventional tool trucks ormobile tool stores, for example, often use panels, such as peg board, tostore tools so that the tools may easily be displayed in the vehicle orlocated and removed from the vehicle when the tool salesman wishes tobring a particular tool or tools into a potential customer's workplace,such as a shop.

A shortcoming with conventional tool storage systems, however, is thatthe salesman typically cannot easily transport the tools from the tooltruck to the potential customer's workplace. For example, the salesmanmay have to spend needless time and energy individually removing eachtool from the peg board before entering the customer's workplace. Thisproblem is further compounded when removing tools from hard to reachsurfaces, such as the ceiling of the tool truck, where the tools aretraditionally secured to the ceiling via shock cord or the like.

Once removed, the salesman will likely have to place the tools in a bagor other carrier in order to transport the tools from the tool truck tothe customer's workplace. These carriers typically do not make the toolseasy to display to the potential customer, thereby hindering thesalesman's ability to show and sell tools. For example, salesmen thathave to dig through bags to pull out and display tools to potentialcustomers often lose the potential customer's interest.

Accordingly, it has been determined that the need exists for an improvedtool storage system and fastening mechanism therefor that overcome theaforementioned limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A tool storage system includes a body, such as a panel, to which toolsmay be attached, a base to which the body is removably fastened, and afastening mechanism for connecting the body to the base so that the bodymay be attached to the base or removed and used remote therefrom. In oneform, the fastening mechanism includes a hinge connected to the body andthe base for providing an axis about which the body may be rotated withrespect to the base, and a latch connected to the base and movablebetween a first position, or secured position, wherein the latch securesthe body to the base and a second position, or released position,wherein the latch releases the body so that it may be removed from thebase. In another form, the body is secured to the base via a pluralityof latches. In yet another form, the body is secured to the base viaother fasteners, such as quarter turn fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, of atool storage system in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe base of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D, showing a portion ofthe fastening mechanism illustrated therein;

FIGS. 2E-H are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe base of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D, without the portionsof the fastening mechanism;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the body of the tool storage system ofFIGS. 1A-D, showing a portion of the fastening mechanism illustratedtherein;

FIGS. 3B-E are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe body of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D, without the portionsof the fastening mechanisms;

FIGS. 4A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe latch of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D;

FIGS. 5A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe hinge mount bracket of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D;

FIGS. 6A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe bar for the hinge mount bracket of the tool storage system of FIGS.1A-D;

FIGS. 7A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe hinge receptacle of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D;

FIGS. 8A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe guard of the tool storage system of FIGS. 1A-D;

FIGS. 9A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, of analternate tool storage system in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 10A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe first latch of the tool storage system of FIGS. 9A-D; and

FIGS. 11A-D are perspective, end, side and top views, respectively, ofthe second latch of the tool storage system of FIGS. 9A-D.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings and, in particular FIGS. 1A-D, wherein atool storage system in accordance with the invention is shown generallyat reference numeral 20, the tool storage system 20 includes a body,such as panel 22, to which tools may be attached, a base 24 to which thebody 22 is removably fastened, and a fastening mechanism for connectingthe body to the base so that the body may be attached to the base orremoved and used remote therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated, thefastening mechanism includes a hinge 26 connected to the body 22 and thebase 24 for providing an axis about which the body 22 may be rotatedwith respect to the base 24, and a latch 28 connected to the base 22 andmovable between a first position, or secured position, wherein the latch28 secures the body 22 to the base 24 and a second position, or releasedposition, wherein the latch 28 releases the body 22 so that it may beremoved from the base 24.

The base 24 preferably forms a receptacle for receiving the body 22. Inthe form illustrated in FIGS. 2A-F, for example, the base 24 forms agenerally rectangular wall structure having a first wall 24 a, a secondwall 24 b, a third wall 24 c and a fourth wall 24 d, which collectivelydefine a rectangular recess or opening 25 into which the body 22 may bedisposed. In this embodiment, the walls 24 a-d define an interiorshoulder or step 24 e that reduces the diameter of the rectangularopening 25 and provides a generally flat surface or ledge against whichthe body 22 may be positioned. As will be discussed in greater detailbelow, the body 22 may then be sandwiched between the shoulder 24 e andthe fastening mechanism to secure the body 22 into the base 24.

The base 24 may also include a mounting bracket for mounting the base 24to a structure, such as a wall or ceiling. For example, in the formillustrated in FIGS. 1A-2H, the corners of adjoining wall members 24 a-dare connected to form triangular mounts 24 i, 24 j, 24 k and 24 l. Themounts 24 i-l are generally flat surfaces that define through holes orbores into which fasteners may be disposed.

The base 24 may also include designated areas designed for mounting thelatch 28 and/or hinge 26 therefrom. For example, in the form illustratedin FIGS. 2A-H, the base 24 defines a recess or depression 24 f forreceiving the latch 28 and recesses or depressions 24 g and 24 h forreceiving hinges 26. In a preferred form, the recesses 24 f-h allowportions of the latch 28 and hinge 26 to remain out of the way of thebody 22 so that they do not obstruct the body 22 or its ability to besecured to the base. The center lines of recesses 24 f-h are preferablyaligned with and colinear to the center lines of the latch 28 and hinges26, respectively. The recesses 24 f-h also form generally flat surfacesto which the latch 28 and hinges 26 may be mounted. As illustrated inFIG. 2H, the flat surface of recesses 24 f-h may define through openingsor bores which correspond to openings or bores defined by the latch 28and hinges 26 so that the these items may be fastened to the base 24 viaany traditional fastening means, such as screws, bolts or rivets. Thelatch recess 24 f and hinge recesses 24 g-h are preferably located onopposite sides of the base 24 so that the body 22 pivots or swings awayfrom the latch 28 when the latch is moved into the second position inorder to avoid inadvertently latching the body 22.

Although the embodiment illustrated shows one latch 28 and two hinges26, it should be understood that in alternate embodiments, the latch 28may be replaced with a plurality of latches or that the hinge 26 may bereplaced with a single hinge 26. In addition, the location of thelatches and hinges can be varied. For example, the two hinges 26illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D may be replaced with a single hinge with thesingle hinge either being centered on a side of the body 22 or runningalmost the entire length of the body 22. In another form, the apparatusmay have two latches located either on a wall opposite the wall with thehinge or on the walls adjoining the wall with the hinge. In the latterconfiguration, however, the latches will preferably be located at theend of the adjoining wall farthest from the wall with the hinge 26 inorder to make it easier to remove the body 22 from the base 24. In yetother embodiments, the latches and hinges may be connected via otherfasteners, such as adhesives, if desired.

The base 24 may also define a surface for presenting indicia such astrademarks. In the form illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2H, the base defines anindicia surface 24 m that extends from the inner wall surface of frontwall 24 a. The indicia surface 24 m extends up from a surface generallycoplanar with the shoulder 24 e of wall 24 a and forms a projection,such as an island, that extends through an opening defined by body 22.This configuration allows the indicia to be visible regardless ofwhether or not the body 22 is secured to the base 24 and will bediscussed in further detail below with respect to body 22. The body 24may also be angled in order to make the indicia more visible. Theshoulder 24 e is also preferably angled in order to angle the body 22disposed therein so that it easier to identify the tools that areconnected to the body 22 when it is secured to the base 24.

Although the base 24 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2H is shown with aninterior shoulder 24 e, it should be understood that alternateembodiments may be provided without a shoulder. For example, in oneform, the interior wall members of walls 24 a-d may simply be sloped,angled or tapered in order to reduce the diameter of opening 25 tocapture body 22. In another form, the body 22 may simply rest againstthe top of the base 24, rather than being recessed or disposed withinthe base 24.

The body 22 preferably corresponds in shape to that of the base 24 and,more particularly, to that of the opening 25 defined by the base 24. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-E, the body 22 is a fiber-boardhaving a plurality of perforations for receiving hooks and/or otherfasteners, such as shock cord, to secure tools to the body 24. The fiberboard or peg-board 22 preferably defines an opening 23 to form a handlefor carrying the body 22 when it is removed from the base 24. Theopening 23 also provides an aperture through which the indicia surface24 m discussed above may be viewed or even disposed.

The body 22 may also include designated areas designed for mounting thehinge 26 therefrom. For example, in the form illustrated in FIGS. 3A-E,the body 22 defines recesses 22 a and 22 b for receiving hinges 26. Therecesses 22 a-b allow the hinges to be placed further in on the body 22so that they remain out of the way of the base 24 and/or do notinterfere with the body's ability to be secured to the base 24. Thecenter lines of the hinges 26 are preferably aligned with and colinearto the center lines of the recesses 22 a-b and the hinges 26 arepreferably fastened to the body 22 with a fastener, such as a screw,bolt, rivet or adhesive.

In order to protect the body 22 from wear caused by repeated latchingand unlatching of latch 28, the body 22 may also include a guard forcovering at least a portion of the body 22 that comes into contact withthe latch 28. In the form illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D and 8A-D, the body22 includes a recess or depression 22 c for receiving a generallyU-shaped guard 30, which is a metal sheet wrapped around the top, sideand bottom of the body 22 adjacent the recess 22 c. The guard 30 may beattached to the body 22 via a conventional fastener and preferably willbe as wide as the latch 28 to ensure that no portion of the latch 28comes into direct contact with the fiber-board body 22. In alternateembodiments, the guard 30 may simply be a flat plate or a plurality offlat plates that cover a portion of the body 22 which comes into contactwith the latch 28.

A preferred form of latch 28 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D. This latch 28is made of a metal, such as steel, and has a first portion 28 a defininga mount for connecting the latch 28 to the base 24, a second portion 28b defining a mating structure for mating with the body 22 to secure thebody to the base 24, and a third portion 28 c defining a handle, grip oroperable end for actuating the latch 28. The first portion 28 a isgenerally L-shaped, but preferably has a bend less than ninety degreesin order to bias the latch 28 in its latched position (e.g., biasing thelatch 28 in the first position). In the form illustrated, the firstportion 28 a has a bend of approximately eighty-five degrees and definesat least one bore for aligning with a corresponding bore in the base 24so that the latch 28 may be connected thereto via a fastener.

The second portion 28 b has a structure for mating with the body 22 tosecure the body to the base 24 when it is disposed therein. In the formillustrated, the mating structure is a protrusion, such as a shoulder,extending from the latch 28 which prevents a portion of the body 22 frombeing removed from the opening 25 of base 24 when the latch 28 is in thefirst position. The protrusion 28 b extends out from the first portion28 a at a ninety degree angle and provides a generally flat surface oredge against which the body 22 may be positioned. The protrusion thenslopes back in towards the third portion 28 c of the latch.

The slope formed by protrusion 28 c allows the latch 28 to automaticallymove from the first position to the second position so that the body 22can be secured to the base 24 without the need for an operator tomanually move the latch 28 from the first position to the secondposition. More particularly, when the body is inserted into the opening25 to be secured to the base 24, the body 22 or latch guard 30 (ifpresent) engages the slope of the protrusion 28 b and causes the latch28 to move from the first position to the second position until the body22 and guard 30 have cleared the edge of the protrusion 28 b. Once thebody 22 and guard 30 clear the protrusion 28 c, the latch 38 isautomatically returned to the first position due to the bend in firstportion 28 a, thereby securing the body 22 between the shoulder 24 e andthe flat surface or edge of protrusion 28 b. This passive lockingconfiguration allows the body 22 to be quickly secured to the base 24without requiring additional steps, such as manually moving the latch 28from the first position to the second position.

The third portion 28 c extends from the second portion 28 b and forms ahandle or grip for actuating the latch 28. In the form illustrated, thethird portion 28 c includes a generally flat surface formed at thedistal end of the latch 28 which the operator may use to manually movethe latch between the first and second positions. In view of the passivelocking feature discussed above, the operator may use the operative end28 c to move the latch 28 from the first position to the second positionwhen the body 22 is to be removed from the base 24. Once the body 22 andguard 30 have cleared the second portion 28 b of latch 28, the latch 28may be released and will automatically return to its latched or firstposition. In a preferred form, the third portion 28 c provides a largegenerally flat surface upon which additional indicia may be placed. Forexample, the handle may be marked with a trademark or list the items orclass of items that are attached to the body 22.

As mentioned above, the apparatus 20 may be provided with a hinge 26which allows the side of the body 22 nearest the latch 28 to be pivotedor rotated out of the base 24. Any conventional hinge may be used,however, in the form illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D, the hinge 26 includes afirst hinge component, such as hinge mount 32 (FIGS. 5A-6D), which isconnected to the body 22, and a second hinge component, such as hingereceptacle 34 (FIGS. 7A-D), which is connected to the base 24. The hingemount 32 has a generally U-shaped bracket 32 a having a sleeve extendingtherefrom. More particularly, first and second arms 32 b and 32 c,respectively, extend from the bracket 32 a and form respective circularsleeves 32 d and 32 e. A pin or rod 32 f is inserted through the sleeves32 d-e and forms a bar with which the second hinge component 34 maymate. The bracket 32 a may be mounted to the body using a conventionalfastener. For example, in the form illustrated, the legs of the U-shapedbracket define two pairs of openings or bores. The openings on one legalign with corresponding openings on the other leg so that the bracketmay be mounted to the body 22 via a bolt or rivet passing through thebracket from one leg to the other.

The second hinge structure 34 mates with the first hinge structure 32 sothat the body 22 may be rotated with respect to the base 24. In the formillustrated, the second hinge structure 34 is a receptacle for receivingat least a portion of the bar formed by first hinge structure 32. Moreparticularly, the receptacle 34 has a mating structure, such as hook 34a, for engaging the bar 32 f of first hinge member 32, and a mount, suchas mounting bracket 34 b, for connecting the second hinge structure 34to the base 24. The second hinge structure 34 is preferably made out ofspring steel with the hook 34 a extending from the bracket 34 b at anangle less than ninety degrees. In the embodiment illustrated, the hook34 a extends from the bracket 34 b at an eighty-five degree angle. Thisangle or bend forces the hook 34 a into engagement with the first hingecomponent 32 and ensures that the body 22 will be firmly secured to thebase 24 when inserted therein.

When the bar 32 f is inserted into the hook 34 a, the body 22 may berotated about an axis defined by the bar 32 f. Thus, when latch 28 ismoved to the second position, the body 22 may be rotated out of the base24 and preferably suspended therefrom. To remove the body 22 from thebase 24, the operator simply needs to remove the bar 32 f from the hook34 a. In the form illustrated, the distal end of the hook 34 a issemi-circular in shape so that the bar 32 f can be easily insertedtherein or removed therefrom.

This configuration is useful for a variety of reasons. For example, byallowing the body 22 to rotate at least partially out of the base 24,the apparatus 20 makes it easier for an operator to view and selecttools attached to the body 22. For instance, if the base 24 is mountedto the wall or ceiling of a tool truck, the operator may actuate thelatch 28 to pivot the body at least partially out of the base 24 so thathe or she can better view and/or select the tools attached thereto. Therotation of the body 22 out of the base 24 may also lower the tools toan easier height for the operator to look at and/or select the toolsfrom. By allowing the body 22 to be removed from the base 24, theoperator can quickly and easily transport tools from one location toanother. Using the tool truck example from above, a salesman can readilyremove the body 22 and transport some or all of the tools thereon fromthe tool truck and into a potential customer's place of business. Thetray-like configuration of the body 22 further allows the tools to beeasily displayed to the potential customer and returned to the truckafter the meeting with the potential customer is over. The handledefined by the body 22 and opening 23, make it easier to transport thetray of tools as well. Lastly, by allowing the body 22 to be rotated atleast partially out of the base 24, the apparatus 20 provides the userwith more surface area to grab the body of tools. This is particularlyhelpful when dealing with heavier tools and/or when dealing with a bodyor tray 22 having a large number of tools connected thereto.

It should be understood that in alternate embodiments, the location ofthe hinge components may be reversed. For example, the hinge mount 32 amay be connected to the base 24 and the mating hinge structure 34connected to the body 22. Similarly, the latch 28 may be located on thebody 22 rather than the base 24. However, in this configuration, thebase 24 will be designed with an edge for the protrusion 28 c to catchto secure the body to the base. In yet other embodiments, some of thecomponents discussed above may be made integral to one another. Forexample, the mating hinge component 34 may be integrally formed in thebase 24 rather than provided as a separate structure or bracket.

Thus, in operation, tools (not shown) may be connected to the body 22via any conventional means, such as by using shock cord or the like, andstored in the base 24. The tool and/or entire body 22 may be removedfrom the base 24 by simply moving the latch 28 into the second positionthereby releasing an end of the body 22 so that it may be pivoted outfrom the base. The user may then simply remove the desired tools fromthe body 22 and rotate the body back into the base 24, or may remove theentire body 22 to transport the tray of tools to a remote location.

An alternate embodiment of the tool storage system 20 is illustrated inFIGS. 9A-D and includes a body connected to the base via a plurality oflatches rather than a latch and hinge configuration. For convenience,items which are similar to those discussed above with respect to FIGS.1A-8D will be identified using the same reference numeral in combinationwith an apostrophe (′) merely to distinguish one embodiment from theother. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-D, the body 22′ issecured to the base 24′ via a first latch 28′ and second and thirdlatches 36 and 38, respectively. Like latch 28′, latches 36 and 38 aremovable between a first position wherein the latch secures a firstportion of the body 22′ to the base 24′ and a second position whereinthe latch releases the first body portion so that it may be removed fromthe base 24′. Latches 36 and 38 also have a similar construction tolatch 28′ including a portion for mating with the body 22′ and a portionfor mounting the latches 36 and 38 to the base 24′. Noticeably absent,however, is a gripping portion or handle. The reason latches 36 and 38do not have handle portions is that the operator need not move theselatches into their second position in order to remove the body 22′ fromthe base 24′. Rather, the operator can simply move latch 28′, which isillustrated in detail in FIGS. 10A-10D, to its second position torelease a portion of body 22′ and then remove the remainder of body 22′by sliding the remainder of the body out of latches 36 and 38. In otherembodiments, latches 36 and 38 may be provided with a gripping portionor handle if such a feature is desired.

FIGS. 11A-D provide a variety of views of latch 36, which is identicalto latch 38. As illustrated, latch 36 has a first portion 36 a that isgenerally L-shaped. The first portion 36 a is preferably bent at anangle less than ninety degrees in order to bias the latch 36 intoengagement with the body 22′ (e.g., biasing the latch 36 into its firstor latched position). The first portion 36 a further defines at leastone opening or bore for aligning with a corresponding bore in the base24′ so that the latch 36 may be connected thereto via a fastener such asa screw, bolt or rivet.

A second portion 36 b extends from the first portion 36 a and defines amating structure for mating with the body 22′ to secure the body to thebase 24′ when it is disposed therein. In the form illustrated, thesecond portion 36 b forms a protrusion, such as a shoulder, extendingfrom the latch 36 which prevents a portion of the body 22′ from beingremoved from the opening 25′ of base 24′ when the latch 36 is in thefirst position. The protrusion 36 b extends out from the first portion36 a at a ninety degree angle and provides a generally flat surface oredge against which the body 22′ may be positioned. The protrusion thenslopes back in at an angle to allow the latch 36 to automatically movefrom the first position to the second position so that the body 22′ canbe secured to the base 24′ without the need for an operator to manuallymove the latch 36 from the first position to the second position. Usingthis passive locking configuration, an operator can secure the body 22′to the base 24′ by simply pressing the body 22′ against latches 28′, 36and 38, thereby allowing the latches to move to their respective secondpositions and return to their respective first positions once the body22′ has cleared the edge of each latch. Alternatively, the operator mayinsert an end of the body 22′ into latches 36 and 38 and press theopposite end of body 22′ into engagement with the main latch 28′.Regardless of the manner in which body 22′ is inserted into the base24′, the body 22′ can be quickly snapped into place in the base 24′without requiring additional steps, such manually actuating any of thelatches. Conversely, the body 22′ can be removed from the base bymanually moving latch 28′ to its released position and pulling the body22′ out of the base 24′.

Although no guards are provided to protect the body 22′ from latches28′, 36 or 38 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-D, it should beunderstood that guards, similar to guard 30, may be attached to body 22′to avoid wear associated with repeated latching and unlatching of thebody via latches 28′, 36 and 38. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS.9A-D also illustrates three latches being used. It should be understood,however, that alternate embodiments may be used with fewer or morelatches as desired and the locations of the latches may be altered solong as the components achieve the same goal which is to secure the bodyto the base.

In the embodiments illustrated herein, the bodies are preferably made ofa fiber board, such as a composite wood peg-board or a perforatedfiberglass panel, the bases are preferably made of a polymer, such asplastic or rubber, the latches are preferably made of metal clips, suchas spring steel clips, and the hinges are preferably made of a metal,such as steel. Various dimensions for these components are also providedin the attached drawings. However, it should be understood that thesecomponents may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes inaccordance with the invention. In yet another embodiment, the latchesmay be replaced with quarter turn fasteners, such as those provided bySouthco, Inc. of Concordville, Pa. (USA).

Additionally, while the latches 28, 28″and 36 have been disclosed hereinas including protrusions 28 b, 28 b′, and 36 b, respectively, forsecuring the body 22 within the base 24, it should be appreciated thatan alternate form of the latches 28, 28′, and 36 may include recessesadapted to secure the body 22 within the base 24. So configured, therecesses may be formed similar to the protrusions 28 b, 28 b′, 36 b inthat they could include a substantially flat portion and an angledportion. In fact, it may be envisioned that such recesses formed on thelatches 28 and 28′ may be formed as identical mirror images of theprotrusions illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D and 10A-10D. Additionally, therecess formed on the latch 36 may be formed as an identical mirror imageof the protrusion 36 b. In any such event, the recesses would beutilized to receive an edge of the body 22 therein. The angled portionof the recess would assist the body 22 into complete insertion into therecess and the flat portion would lock the body 22 relative thereto. Inyet other forms, the recesses may have an alternate configuration whichis not necessarily similar to the protrusions disclosed herein but iscapable of serving the principles of the present invention.

Further yet, it should be appreciated that while the above-describedtool storage system 20 has been disclosed as accommodating tools on anexposed side of the body 22, it is also envisioned that tools may bestored on the hidden side of the body 22 when the body is attached tothe base 24. So configured, the tools attached to the hidden side of thebody 22 would be accommodated in the opening 25 of the base 24. In oneform, the step 24 e within the opening 25 is offset by a predetermineddistance from a bottom of the opening, thereby providing sufficient roomfor storing the tools. Therefore, it should be understood andappreciated that such storage would enable a tool salesman to store andtransport twice as many tools as compared to storing tools only on oneside of the body 22.

Finally, it should be appreciated that while dimensions for variousfeatures of the tool storage system 20 according to the various formsand embodiments of the present invention have been provided herein, amore detailed description of the dimensions of one form are provided inU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/643,848, filed Jan. 14, 2005, whichthe present application claims the benefit of and is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, however, it should beappreciated that the dimensions so provided merely describe a singleexample of the present invention and alternate configurations of thetool storage system 20 having different dimensions are intended to bewithin the scope of the claims.

1. A tool storage system comprising: a body to which tools may beattached; a base to which the body is removably fastened; and afastening mechanism for connecting the body to the base so that the bodymay be attached to the base or removed and used remote therefrom.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanismcomprises: a hinge connected to the body and the base for providing anaxis about which the body may be rotated with respect to the base; and alatch connected to the base and movable between a first position whereinthe latch secures the body to the base and a second position wherein thelatch releases the body so that it may be removed from the base.
 3. Anapparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hinge comprises a pluralityof hinges connected to a first side of the base and the latch comprisesa spring clip connected to a second side of the base so that the bodycan be rotated about an axis defined by the plurality of hinges when thelatch is in the second position.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3wherein the plurality of hinges and spring clip latch are located onopposite sides of the base so that the body rotates away from the latchabout the axis defined by the hinges when the latch is in the secondposition.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hingecomprises a first hinge component connected to the body and a secondhinge component connected to the base, the first hinge component beingremovable from the second hinge component so that the body may beremoved from the base.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein thefirst hinge component has a bar extending from the body and the secondhinge component has a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of thebar to form the hinge about which the body may be rotated.
 7. Anapparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a guard connected tothe body and positioned to engage at least a portion of the latchthereby preventing the latch from damaging the body.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 7 wherein the latch and guard are made of metal. 9.An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanismcomprises: a first latch connected to the base and movable between afirst position wherein the latch secures a first portion of the body tothe base and a second position wherein the latches releases the firstbody portion so that it may be removed from the base; and a second latchconnected to the base and movable between a first position wherein thelatch secures a second portion of the body to the base and a secondposition wherein the latch releases the second body portion so that itmay be removed from the base.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9wherein the latches are spring clips that extend toward each other fromopposite sides of the base.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 9further comprising a third latch connected to the base and movablebetween a first position wherein the third latch secures a third portionof the body to the base and a second position wherein the third latchreleases the third body portion so that it may be removed from the base.12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the latches are springclips with the first latch connected to a first side of the base and thesecond and third latches connecting to a second side of the base.
 13. Anapparatus according to claim 12 wherein the first and second sides ofthe base are opposite sides of the base.
 14. A mobile tool platform,comprising: a storage compartment fixedly mounted to the tool platform;a quick-release mechanism supported by a portion of the storagecompartment; and a panel adapted to be detachably connected to thestorage compartment via at least the quick-release mechanism and storeand display at least a tool thereon.
 15. The mobile tool platform ofclaim 14, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a biased latchsupported by the storage compartment and moveable between a biased firstposition and a second position, wherein the latch is adapted to securethe panel to the storage compartment while in the first position andrelease the panel from the storage compartment while in the secondposition.
 16. The mobile tool platform of claim 15, wherein the latchincludes a protrusion adapted to engage the panel while in the firstposition, thereby securing the panel to the storage compartment.
 17. Themobile tool platform of claim 15, further comprising a hinge having afirst component fixed to the panel and a second component supported bythe storage compartment, the first and second components adapted tointerlock when the panel is secured to the storage compartment by thequick-release mechanism and provide a pivotal relationship between thepanel and the storage compartment when the panel is unsecured therefrom.18. The mobile tool platform of claim 14, further comprising a basesupported by the storage compartment, the base including thequick-release mechanism.
 19. The mobile tool platform of claim 18,wherein the base includes an opening within which the quick-releasemechanism is adapted to secure the panel.